visilizumab

Visilizumab is a humanized, non-Fc receptor (FcR)-binding IgG2 monoclonal antibody directed against the CD3 receptor on activated T cells. Developed by PDL BioPharma, it was investigated as an immunosuppressive agent for immune-mediated diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The drug binds to the invariant CD3 epsilon subunit of the T-cell receptor complex on activated T cells, inducing apoptosis predominantly in mucosal CD4+ T lymphocytes via caspase 3 and 8 activation, without affecting resting or peripheral blood T cells. This mechanism aims to rapidly eliminate pathogenic T cells in inflamed tissues while minimizing cytokine release toxicity due to its engineered Fc region that prevents FcR binding. Despite initial promise, clinical development was discontinued after Phase II/III trials due to insufficient efficacy and safety compared with other therapies[1][4][5][6][8].

Brand names

Nuvion

Other names

Monoclonal antibody anti-CD3 humanisedVisiluzumab